NL Central Notes: Brewers’ GM Search, Cubs, Barnhart

The Brewers’ search for a new general manager has only been officially underway for a day, but Bob Nightengale of USA Today hears (Twitter link) that the team is likely to hire someone from outside the organization, with Angels assistant general manager Scott Servais as one “intriguing name [that’s] surfacing.” MLB.com’s Adam McCalvy, however, tweets a different take, noting that he’s heard current scouting director Ray Montgomery has a good chance at being tabbed to fill the vacancy. Yesterday, the team announced that Doug Melvin would transition to an advisory role, with a search for a new GM beginning immediately. (Melvin, for the time being, is still the team’s acting GM though.)

Here’s more from the NL Central…

Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer said today on MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (Twitter link) that the bulk of starting pitchers that will be available this offseason impacted the team’s strategy for last month’s non-waiver trade deadline. The Cubs were linked to various controllable starters, but ended up adding veteran Dan Haren on deadline day.

Of course, the Cubs could still look to add some pitching help this month, but president of baseball operations Theo Epstein tells Bruce Levine of 670 The Score/CBS Chicago that the team isn’t currently close to any deals (Twitter link). As Epstein noted, sometimes things don’t really pick up on that front until the end of August.

Though the absence of Devin Mesoraco has hurt the Reds this season, it’s also created the opportunity for young backstop Tucker Barnhart to play his way into a future role with the team, writes the Cincinnai Enquirer’s C. Trent Rosecrans. While Mesoraco is still the Reds’ long-term catcher, Rosecrans spoke to manager Bryan Price about how impressed Price has been with the 24-year-old Barnhart. Price said that when it came to Barnhart, the biggest question surrounding him would be if his bat would be good enough to handle an extended stint if something were to happen to Mesoraco, but the team has been impressed with Barnhart in exactly that scenario. Entering play tonight, Barnhart was hitting .259/.338/.353 with three homers. “When he comes to the plate, I feel that he’s going to do something good,” said Price. “…There’s been nothing about his game that’s been disappointing. Offensively, he’s been a lot more than I expected.”

Comments

This off season will determine if the Epstein/Hoyer regime can live up to the hype.. Yes, they have had good drafts with players like Bryant and Schwarber but they have drafted guys like Almora.. I am not saying Almora is a bust but he has been slow to progress and was selected before Addison Russell and Corey Seager.. They need to swing a trade with someone like the Yankees for a Gardner (doubt the Yankees would move him) or the Indians for Brantley (doubt they would move him either).. Simply signing Price isn’t going to do it.. They need a guy like Price and a closer like Kimbrel.. If they could land that solid leadoff guy as well I think they will have all of the pieces necessary to have one of the greatest dynasties ever.. No matter what skeptics say Baez is still extremely valuable and should net them at least one current or ready mlb piece that they are missing.. Add Alcantara and Almora plus pitching prospects like Edwards and they will have a prospect package that should be able to pry just about any player away that they want.. I know Alcatara and Almora are not centerpieces but they are perfect secondaries..

worst time to pick on almora. he’s like 12 for his last 20. he’s a plus defender so his offense doesnt have to be great just decent. edwards could be that dominant bullpen arm with refined command. they are really in a good position. almora/cf prospects + wilson contreras and gleyber are probably their only untouchables in the minors. which still leaves good prospects to trade in mckinney, vogelbach, baez, pierce johnson, duane underwood, mark zagunis. they arent moving a cf untill they decide happ or almora arent part of their plan.

Wait. What?! Are you suggesting that the Cubs need to have one of the greatest dynasties ever in order for Epstein and Hoyer to live up to the hype? Wow.. I’d hate for you to be the guy doing my performance reviews.